How Should We Define Success?

A few days ago, I was looking at images of iconic public figures doing the very things that made them legends.

Muhammad Ali in the Rumble in the Jungle. Martin Luther King Jr. delivering The Dream. Michael Jackson during the Dangerous World Tour. Even King Ryan taking on Haney.

Each image carried something powerful—an aura, a mystique, a sense that what they were doing in that moment was the only thing that mattered in the world.

Now, this is not me idolizing people because the only person I idolize is myself. But when I see others stepping fully into their greatness, I see myself reflected and envision what is possible for myself. Their excellence serves as a reminder that what we do matters.

No, we may not have millions watching, but should that stop us from believing that our actions hold deep significance? That someone, somewhere, might even aspire to reach our level of success?

But what actually defines success?

For the longest time, I thought it was about how much money I made or the recognition I received. Living in Los Angeles my whole life, that idea was reinforced daily. But as I started venturing out and seeing the world my understanding began to shift. Success became deeper than the superficial. If you’re chasing something solely for applause or rewards, you’ll quickly fall out of love with the process.

So how do I define success now?

Fulfillment.

What fills your soul? What fills you at the deepest level? Maybe it’s training competitively for a sport. Perhaps it’s expressing yourself through art. Or maybe it’s being present with your family. It could be anything. The key is: it has to be true to you.

There has to be passion—a fire that burns every single day and pushes you to show up. Even if you only take one small step forward, that’s a win. But are you also willing to push yourself to go further than yesterday? How far are you willing to take this thing?

Remember: this is all a simulation. Everything starts in your mind. When you grasp that idea, you free your imagination—and from there, the possibilities are endless.

But the real question is: how determined are you of living that success?

You have to truly understand who you are. While your past doesn’t define you, the wisdom you’ve gained from every version of yourself shapes the person you’re becoming—and the purpose you choose to embody.

That clarity becomes your internal roadmap. And when you’re aligned with it, showing up each day isn’t a chore—it’s a calling. It’s what your soul expects from you.

That’s the mindset every icon locked into on their journey.

And sure, there will always be haters along this process. But ask yourself: what are they doing that’s so much better than you? If they were truly living an amazing life, they’d be too busy living that dream rather than focusing on what you are doing.

But in the end, that’s irrelevant. Because your journey is yours—and no one else’s opinion gets to steer it.

If the journey fulfills you then you are winning at life. If it doesn’t then your journey is to figure out what does.